Scotland strikes for climate change

Scots of all ages have stepped out to the streets to call for action on climate change.

Thousands of school pupils are being joined by adults from all backgrounds for a strike that calls for urgent action to be taken across the globe.

Large-scale events are being held in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with tens of thousands of protestors expected to attend, and smaller events are being held in other parts of Scotland.

The demonstrations are part of the larger Global Climate Strike movement, led by Greta Thunberg, with millions of people taking part across the world.

The strikes in Scotland have been supported by charities, NGOs, companies, unions and public bodies, many of which are allowing their staff to join the marches.

Dylan Hamilton, a 15-year-old organiser with Scottish Youth Climate Strike, said: “We need to stop the emissions of greenhouse gases, we’re running out of time and the crisis is only getting worse.

“Millions of young people have been striking from school over the past few months and pushing this issue into the spotlight. Now it is time for adults to join their children on the streets, and demand the necessary climate action from the government.

“The climate crisis will affect billions of people for generations to come, which is why we need everybody to strike.”

The youngsters have received the backing and support of established environmental campaigners.

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, an umbrella organisation for 40 unions, faith groups and community groups, said its members are out in force.

The group’s Kat Jones said: "The young strikers are bringing the voice of the future powerfully into the present day.

"They describe the stark reality of climate breakdown and what it means for the world's future, their adulthood."

Friends of the Earth Scotland has helped with the organisation of marched. Climate campaigner Caroline Rance said: "Millions of schoolchildren across the world have been walking out of lessons every Friday to strike for climate action.

"The children are marching for their future. We're proud to stand with them and urge everyone else who can to do the same."

The Scottish Government has praised young people for their commitment to the cause. A spokesman said: "The global climate emergency and a Green New Deal for Scotland are at the centre of our Programme for Government.

"We are leading by example through bold actions. We are redoubling our efforts and we will end Scotland's contribution to global climate change by 2045."

One of the voluntary sector organisations that is allowing staff time off to protest or volunteer at the marches is the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

SCVO chief executive Anna Fowlie said: “We often focus too much on the immediate; today’s challenges and talking points. Young people are reminding us that the biggest challenge that faces us across the globe is climate change.

“All of our futures are under threat if we continue to destroy our planet by the way we live our lives. I’m proud that SCVO is supporting this action – nothing is more important.”

Students from universities and colleges across Scotland are also free to take part, after it was confirmed that they will not be at risk of losing their bursaries if they opt to strike.

NUS Scotland president Liam McCabe said: “We are delighted to have secured a commitment from the First Minister that no student in Scotland will lose bursary or student support as a result of participating in the climate action strikes.

"The challenges we face in this era of climate catastrophe require the full involvement of our student movement. We appreciate that this has been recognised by the Scottish Government and that students can take part in protests without fear of financial penalties.”

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20th September 2019 by Joseph Waugh

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TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.